After a long winter, spring is finally here! As the new, sunnier season embarks upon us, we can look forward to days in the sun, blossoming flowers and above all, no snow! Not sure how you will spend this spring? Here are 11 great activities taking place in Edson and area this April and May:
1. Dabble in Arts and Crafts
If you’re looking to flex those creative muscles, there are plenty of opportunities to do so this spring!
In honour of World Art Day on April 14, the Town of Edson will be hosting a Chinese paper cutting and calligraphy workshop with Chinese artist Isabel Dong featuring international snacks.
Local watercolor artist Tanya Verquin will be leading a virtual spring-inspired watercolor class on April 27 where participants will have the opportunity to paint a series of beautiful wildflowers. And, as Mother’s Day is around the corner, these paintings can be turned into handmade Mother’s Day cards that your mom, grandma or aunt is sure to love!
Youth have the opportunity to practice their art at Edson Youth Interagency's paint night on April 26 with local artist Chrissie Handford.
Kids ages 4-8 are also invited to create a special Mother’s Day craft at the Edson & District Leisure Centre on April 30 with local Hayley McLeod-Bushell.
2. Attend an Area Rodeo
Strap on your boots because rodeo season is upon us!
Wildwood Bronc Bustin’ will be hosting their rodeo kickoff on April 15 featuring Canada’s top saddle bronc riders with autograph signings, silent and live auctions and a dance at Wildwood Community Hall.
As their first rodeo event of the year, Element Zone 13 will be hosting a Spring Fling on April 22 with cow riding, ranch bronc riding, bull poker, ring of fear, sheep riding and freestyle bullfighting.
On May 6, the Sanders Family Foundation will be hosting the Lane Cust Invitational in Brule, which will feature professional saddle bronc riding and 2022 Champion and NFR/CFR qualifier Ben Andersen.
The popular Medicine Lodge Rodeo is back again for their 42nd rodeo on May 12-14. In addition to the regular WRA Rough Stock events, this family-friendly event will also feature a dance, pancake breakfast and cowboy church service. Friday is for the girls, with both junior and senior women’s events, an open rescue race and a wheelbarrow race taking place. Rodeo clown and fan-favourite Squirrelly Early will be in attendance throughout the weekend, along with comedy magician Clinton W. Gray, the Chinook Riders and Melissa’s Bouncy Castle House Fun.
The popular Medicine Lodge Rodeo is back again for their 42nd rodeo on May 12-14. In addition to the regular WRA Rough Stock events, this family-friendly event will also feature a dance, pancake breakfast and cowboy church service. Friday is for the girls, with both junior and senior women’s events, an open rescue race and a wheelbarrow race taking place. Rodeo clown and fan-favourite Squirrelly Early will be in attendance throughout the weekend, along with comedy magician Clinton W. Gray, the Chinook Riders and Melissa’s Bouncy Castle House Fun.
Element Zone 13 will be back again on May 26-27 with their popular Mustachio Bullbashio, which will feature regular rodeo events such as ladies cow riding and freestyle bullfighting. A highlight of the event is the annual mustache competition, in which the proceeds go to support. men’s mental health.
3. Celebrate Canadian Film
In honour of National Canadian Film Day, the Galloway Station Museum will be hosting a free screening of ‘The Captive’ starring Canada’s beloved Ryan Reynolds on April 20.
Synopsis: Eight years after the disappearance of Cassandra, some disturbing incidents seem to indicate that she's still alive. Police, parents and Cassandra herself, will try to unravel the mystery of her disappearance.
This movie is Rated R and is for adults 18 and up only.
4. Visit the Trade Show
Whether you visit for the free giveaways or to explore new businesses, the annual Edson Chamber of Commerce Trade Show is always a great way to spend the weekend. On April 28 and 29, head down to the Edson & District Leisure Centre to learn about local businesses and non-profits in the area, purchase some local art, and enter your name to win some great prizes!
5. Expand Your Gardening Knowledge
Now that the snow is starting to melt and the weather is warming up, we can start thinking about gardening again!
Yellowhead County will be hosting a variety of virtual gardening workshops to inspire the green thumb inside of you.
If you are interested in horticulture, a virtual ‘Getting into Horticulture’ workshop will be hosted on April 25 with horticulturist Rob Spencer in partnership with surrounding counties. In this workshop, participants will learn how to identify and diagnose problems with crops, how to identify various crop insects and diseases, and the best practices to stay ahead of potential problems.
Looking to get into tree pruning? Attend the April 27 Hands-On Tree Pruning Workshop with Toso Bozic from Yard Whispers to learn how to prune a variety of trees including spruce, fruit, ornamental and more.
Hate weeding and watering your garden? Learn how to make a no-till garden with Yellowhead County Agricultural Services and master gardener Kim Ross at the Wildwood Community Hall on April 29.
6. Step it Up!
A great way to get fit this spring is to participate in the Town of Edson’s annual Step it Up challenge, which encourages teams to ‘get moving to get winning’ throughout the month of May. Teams track their steps for four weeks, hoping to increase their totals each week, to compete against other teams for the chance to win some great prizes.
7. KIDS - Participate in PD Day
The Galloway Station Museum, in partnership with the Town of Edson, Edson Dance Academy and Edson Tumblers Gymnastics Club, will be hosting another fun PD Day on the April 21st non-school Friday. This event will be filled with a variety of entertaining and stimulating activities, such as dancing and gymnastics, and is sure to tire out your kids!
8. GIRLS (Grades 5-9) - Attend the Go Girl Conference
Girls in grades 5-9 are invited to join other girls their age to participate in the 2023 Go Girl Conference on April 29, which will feature a variety of activities from canvas art and mini terrariums to firefighting and nerf wars.
9. Have Dessert and Watch a Show
The Holy Redeemer Drama Department will be hosting their annual Dessert Theatre on April 14 and 15. Three plays are set to be presented over the two-day event, which will feature talented young actors/actresses and delicious desserts between intermission for the low price of $2!
10. Adopt a Furry Friend
What better way to embody the changing of seasons than to bring a new furry friend into your life? The Edson Animal Rescue Society (EARS) will be hosting an adoption event at Surepoint Compression on April 15. They also have a few animals that are looking for foster homes.
10. Visit a Spring Artisan Market
Wildwood-based Go Hard ranch will be hosting a Spring Artisan Market on May 27 and 28 to welcome the new season with local businesses and artisans. May 28th is all about the kids as the ranch will be encouraging junior entrepreneurs to join the vendors to show their creativity and aspiring businesses.
How will you enjoy this spring?